METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION IN THE OPERATING ROOM
First Claim
1. A cushion-mounted patient communication system, comprising:
- a cushion having an opening for receiving the patient'"'"'s face;
a microphone at least partially embedded in the cushion for receiving audible signals from the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening; and
at least one speaker at least partially embedded in the cushion for delivering audible signals from an operator to the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A communication system is provided for a patient featuring a cushion with an opening for receiving the face of the patient. The cushion includes a microphone for receiving audible signals from the patient and one or more speakers for delivering audible signals to the patient. The microphone and speaker(s) are integrated with the cushion to avoid interfering with the comfort of the patient. In one embodiment, the audible signals are delivered to and from the patient via a communication port. In another embodiment, the system includes a display device, so the patient may view parts of the patient'"'"'s body on the device and then communicate with system operators through the microphone and speaker(s).
15 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A cushion-mounted patient communication system, comprising:
-
a cushion having an opening for receiving the patient'"'"'s face; a microphone at least partially embedded in the cushion for receiving audible signals from the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening; and at least one speaker at least partially embedded in the cushion for delivering audible signals from an operator to the patient when the patient'"'"'s face is received within the opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A method for a patient to communicate during a medical procedure, comprising:
-
positioning the patient'"'"'s face in an opening surrounded by a cushion, wherein the cushion supports the patient'"'"'s head; delivering first audible signals from the patient into a microphone at least partially embedded in the cushion, wherein the first audible signals are delivered to a communication port; delivering second audible signals to the patient from the communication port through at least one speaker that is at least partially embedded in the cushion; and performing the medical procedure on the patient while the patient'"'"'s face is positioned in the opening. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification